Smart pit for hydraulic elevators and other products using pressurized hydraulic fluids

Abstract

A system controls leakage in a pit which contains equipment which uses pressurized hydraulic fluid. A tap communicates with a space holding leaked fluid, and directs leaked fluid to a fluid sump. A pump moves fluid from the fluid sump to a hydraulic fluid recapturing holding tank located outside the pit above a fluid reservoir. Fluid from the fluid reservoir is selectively relocated into the fluid reservoir, which re-supplies the equipment. An electronic control panel located outside the pit interacts with a remote computer to provide a remote user with information concerning operation of the system and to allow the remote user to monitor and control at least certain operations of the system, and which processor also controls operation of the pump and actuating valve. All of the mechanical and electrical equipment of the system is located outside of the pit.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]The present application is a national phase of PCT application No. PCT / US2016 / 025825, filed Apr. 4, 2016, which claims priority on U.S. provisional patent application No. 62 / 144,532, filed on Apr. 8, 2015, all of which are incorporated herein by reference thereto.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]The Invention relates to the control of hydraulic fluid spills on to a pit floor, the containment of leaked hydraulic fluid, and the monitoring and recycling of such spilled hydraulic fluid.[0003]Wet product or spills on smooth floors or walking surfaces present both safety and environmental concerns, especially if the liquid on such a floor or surface is oil or other hydraulic fluid. Unfortunately, oil and / or other hydraulic fluid leaks and spills are common occurrences in elevator shafts and often present such environmental and safety issues when they occur.[0004]Governmental agencies including the federal EPA, its state counterparts, and OSHA, ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

Effectively contains and recycles hydraulic fluid, reducing safety hazards and environmental contamination by continuously monitoring and managing fluid levels, ensuring efficient reuse and minimizing spills.

Problems solved by technology

Unfortunately, oil and / or other hydraulic fluid leaks and spills are common occurrences in elevator shafts and often present such environmental and safety issues when they occur.

Depending on the frequency of use of the elevator, the rubber bushings will deteriorate over time and the amount of hydraulic lubricant build up and leaking will increase to a point where oil or other fluids can spill onto the pit floor.

This process is rarely monitored and typically not documented, which can result in a slippery pit floor.

Needless to say, this rudimentary “fix” does not adequately address the safety and environmental concerns presented from leaking and spilling hydraulic fluids.

To the contrary, depending on how the fluid collected in those buckets is disposed, this common practice may actually contribute to even greater safety concerns and environmental harm.

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